Kristina Sabaliauskaitė | Nora Ikstena | Mihkel Mutt
Frankfurt, 11 October 2017: The London Book Fair, together with its partners the British Council and the Publishers Association, are delighted to reveal the three headline authors who will represent Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as Market Focus Authors of the Day at LBF 2018.
Three internationally celebrated writers – Kristina Sabaliauskaitė (Lithuania), Nora Ikstena (Latvia) and Mihkel Mutt (Estonia) – will be honoured on the second day of LBF (11th April 2018), with a special dedicated programme aimed at shining a spotlight on their outstanding career achievements and work.
Writer and art historian Kristina Sabaliauskaitė is the most widely read contemporary Lithuanian author. Born in Vilnius and based in London since 2002, her four-part historic novel series Silva Rerum is a long term number-one international bestseller and widely regarded as among the most important Lithuanian literary works of the last decade.
One of the most influential and prominent prose writers and essayists in Latvia, Nora Ikstena is known for her elaborate style and detailed approach to language. Her work often reflects on life, love, death and faith, and she has written 30 literary works, including her most recent novel Soviet Milk, which was shortlisted for an Annual Literature Award for best prose and will come out in the UK by Peirene Press.
Representing Estonia, Mihkel Mutt is a renowned, provocative writer and columnist. Originally a theatre and literary critic he made his debut as a writer in the 70s, and has now published over 40 titles across a variety of genres. In recent years he has focused his attention on reporting history and current affairs and his work is typically personified by his biting irony and hyperbolic wit.
Jacks Thomas, Director of The London Book Fair, commented:
‘With such an impressive pool of contemporary literary talent in The Baltics – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — choosing our spotlight Authors of the Day was a particularly daunting task this year. However, we are delighted with the selection of these three fantastic writers, each of whom are brilliant ambassadors for both literature from the Baltic region, and their individual nations. We look forward to giving them a warm LBF welcome and shining a spotlight on their writing talent and prestigious careers.”
Cortina Butler, Director Literature at the British Council said:
“The London Book Fair Market Focus Cultural Programme in 2018 creates the opportunity to increase awareness in the UK of the variety of rich literature in all three Baltic countries. We are delighted that the notable writers Nora Ikstena from Latvia, Lithuanian Kristina Sabaliauskaitė and Mihkel Mutt from Estonia have all agreed to appear as Authors of the Day.”
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For further information, and to request interviews, please contact:
Dani Freeman
Midas Public Relations
0207 361 7860
Daniel.freeman@midaspr.co.uk
www.londonbookfair.co.uk
Notes to editors:
THE LONDON BOOK FAIR (LBF)
The London Book Fair (LBF) is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Taking place every spring in the world’s premier publishing and cultural capital, it is a unique opportunity to explore, understand and capitalise on the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future. LBF brings you direct access to customers, content and emerging markets. LBF 2018, the 47th Fair, will take place from 10 – 12 April 2018, Olympia London. LBF’s London Book and Screen Week will run for the third year, with the book fair as the pivotal three-day event within a seven-day programme. For further information, please visit: www.londonbookfair.co.uk
THE BRITISH COUNCIL
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. www.britishcouncil.org
THE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
The Publishers Association (the PA) represents book, journal, audio and electronic publishers in the UK, spanning fiction and non-fiction, academic and educational publishing. Our members include global companies such as Elsevier, Wiley, Pearson, Penguin Random House, Hachette and the University presses, as well as many independent publishing houses.
REED EXHIBITIONS BOOKS & PUBLISHING
Reed Exhibitions Books & Publishing portfolio consists of six trade and public book fairs taking place in some of the most important and dynamic book markets in the world: Brazil, France, Japan, UK and USA. Bienal do Livro São Paulo, BookExpo America, eBooks, Salon du Livre, The London Book Fair and Tokyo International Book Fair, collectively attract over 770,000 participants and 2,600 primary exhibitors and rights centre table holders, interested in buying or selling intellectual property rights, buying, selling or specifying titles, discovering the latest trends in publishing, understanding new markets or meeting authors and discovering new titles.
Working closely with professional bodies, trades associations and government departments, Reed Exhibitions Books & Publishing portfolio ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to the book and publishing industry’s needs. As a result many of Reed Exhibitions books and publishing events are leaders in their markets.
REED EXHIBITIONS
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organizer, with over 500 events in 41 countries. In 2012 Reed brought together seven million active event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organized by 34 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 44 industry sectors with trade and consumer events and is part of the Reed Elsevier Group, a world leading provider of professional information solutions. www.reedexpo.com
THE BALTIC COUNTRIES
Baltic Countries Market Focus: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, all celebrating the centennial of their independent republics in 2018, introduce the exciting chance to discover epic past and vibrant, inventive present through the strong voice of modern literature. Three countries share the beauty of the Baltic sea’s coastline, brave history and inspiring contemporary culture. Cherishing all that they have in common, the three Baltic Countries Market Focus countries are joining intellectual and creative forces to express unique experiences through unique stories.